The Burlington County Fire Service recently welcomed 26 new firefighters to its ranks during a graduation and certificate ceremony at the Institute of Technology-Westampton.
The graduates attended dozens of training sessions totaling more than 230 hours. They are now certified firefighters and will serve with 14 different county departments.
County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel and Commissioner Tyler Burrell attended the graduation and presented the certificates along with the county’s Public Safety Director, Gary Gubbei; Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center Director Howard Black; and senior instructor Brian Gardner.
Eckel, who also serves as liaison to the Department of Public Safety, was among the speakers during the ceremony, along with Philadelphia Fire Department Capt. Kenneth Pagurek.
“On behalf of our entire Burlington County Board of Commissioners, we want to thank you and all our county’s firefighters, EMS personnel and first responders for the services they perform every day,” Eckel noted. “We will rely on you to give help to those in danger and to inspire hope with your dedication and passion for service.”
During the ceremony, Jose Lechuga of Moorestown Fire District No. 1 was presented with the Chief William D. Constantine Leadership Award. Tahjon Hobbs of the Hainesport Fire Company earned the Army Specialist Benjamin Moore Award for most improved cadet, and Payton Chezem, also from Fire District No. 1, received the Academic Achievement Award.
